What Does AZine Think About The Jetta TDI?
04-04-2012, 10:43 AM
#1
What Does AZine Think About The Jetta TDI?
Well, before I dive into the real subject of this post, I have a pre-question...
When do you determine its time to move on to another car?
My TSX has 186k miles on the clock. Other than A/C problems at 90k miles and a recent navigation issue (need to find time to troubleshoot this), she's been rock solid. I am pretty happy with the car. Do I keep it and continue running it into the ground, or do I sell/trade while I can still get a few thousand out of it?
I ask because I've been entertaining the idea of buying a Jetta TDI Premium /w Nav. I haven't yet driven one, but I really like the look of the car. The 0 to 60 time the TDI is rated (9.1 seconds) is similar to my TSX (which is a stock 5AT), so power seems like it'll be similar.
I calculated out gas costs and at today's rates (okay so a few days ago) I will save over $1k a year on fuel. My daily fuel cost with my TSX is around $17 (guestimating @ 30 MPG), and with the Jetta TDI is around $12 (guestimating @ 40 MPG).
I do like not having a car payment, but the "new car itch" is a driving force in considering this. Plus, my wife has told me for a while now that if we can afford it I can buy a new car, LOL. Through the Costco auto program I can purchase one at $500 below invoice which I don't think is too shabby. On my way in to work this morning the VW dealer had a 0% 60 month deal advertised on the Jetta TDI...
Soo, what are your thoughts? I suppose I should drive one
When do you determine its time to move on to another car?
My TSX has 186k miles on the clock. Other than A/C problems at 90k miles and a recent navigation issue (need to find time to troubleshoot this), she's been rock solid. I am pretty happy with the car. Do I keep it and continue running it into the ground, or do I sell/trade while I can still get a few thousand out of it?
I ask because I've been entertaining the idea of buying a Jetta TDI Premium /w Nav. I haven't yet driven one, but I really like the look of the car. The 0 to 60 time the TDI is rated (9.1 seconds) is similar to my TSX (which is a stock 5AT), so power seems like it'll be similar.
I calculated out gas costs and at today's rates (okay so a few days ago) I will save over $1k a year on fuel. My daily fuel cost with my TSX is around $17 (guestimating @ 30 MPG), and with the Jetta TDI is around $12 (guestimating @ 40 MPG).
I do like not having a car payment, but the "new car itch" is a driving force in considering this. Plus, my wife has told me for a while now that if we can afford it I can buy a new car, LOL. Through the Costco auto program I can purchase one at $500 below invoice which I don't think is too shabby. On my way in to work this morning the VW dealer had a 0% 60 month deal advertised on the Jetta TDI...
Soo, what are your thoughts? I suppose I should drive one
04-04-2012, 10:49 AM
#2
I drove one of those around a parking lot handling track, at a VW promotional event - I was impressed by the car. But the GTi was really a lot more fun - try one first.
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thunder04 (04-04-2012)
04-04-2012, 11:20 AM
#3
I buy a new car when I want 
. Historically we'll buy before the current run goes out of warranty, but not always the case. Sometimes we like a car and keep it longer. So really, it varies. But when it's time, it's time...
As for the TDI, not much first hand experience... but AZ overall seems to like VW, so I would expect good feedback...
. Historically we'll buy before the current run goes out of warranty, but not always the case. Sometimes we like a car and keep it longer. So really, it varies. But when it's time, it's time...As for the TDI, not much first hand experience... but AZ overall seems to like VW, so I would expect good feedback...
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thunder04 (04-04-2012)
04-04-2012, 12:27 PM
#4
Goodbye.
I buy a new car when the old car is past at least 10 years of ownership and there is an actual need for a new one. If you are really scared about gas money, but can ride out this "storm" for a bit longer, then ride it out. In a couple years, there will be more cars geared towards fuel economy and who knows, maybe the US will finally follow the EU and have more diesel offerings here.
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thunder04 (04-04-2012)
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thunder04 (04-04-2012)
04-04-2012, 12:44 PM
#6
Living the Dream
If you're considering a new car and can justify the costs over your current car (which you have done) then it's probably time. Besides, 8 years with a car is pretty good. The TSX still has some value which can be used towards a down payment.
You don't want to wait for something drastic to go wrong to decide to get a new car and then have no value at all in the TSX.
One thing to consider with a TDI is how many highway miles you're driving on a daily basis. Highway miles are where the TDI will really show it's value. I've read that many TDIs are seeing upper 40s mpg "mixed use." If you drive mostly highway miles, that will only go up.
I have become very interested in the Golf TDI as I've recently moved and now have a commute that is 95% highway.
I currently have an '06 TSX with ~90k miles so it still has some life left (plus I'm seeing 32 mpg average) so it's hard for me to justify doing anything soon.
edit:
Like you I've calculated the fuel costs and am seeing similar numbers. Excel can be useful
You don't want to wait for something drastic to go wrong to decide to get a new car and then have no value at all in the TSX.
One thing to consider with a TDI is how many highway miles you're driving on a daily basis. Highway miles are where the TDI will really show it's value. I've read that many TDIs are seeing upper 40s mpg "mixed use." If you drive mostly highway miles, that will only go up.
I have become very interested in the Golf TDI as I've recently moved and now have a commute that is 95% highway.
I currently have an '06 TSX with ~90k miles so it still has some life left (plus I'm seeing 32 mpg average) so it's hard for me to justify doing anything soon.
edit:
Like you I've calculated the fuel costs and am seeing similar numbers. Excel can be useful
Last edited by cmschmie; 04-04-2012 at 12:46 PM.
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thunder04 (04-04-2012)
04-04-2012, 12:48 PM
#7
TDI is awesome engine. It has lots of torque and it really fun to drive even with dsg tranny which is hella quick. Gas milage is outstanding and overall car isnt bad but if i could i would take audi a3 or a4 with tdi engine. Drive one and you'll find out what im talking about.
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thunder04 (04-04-2012)
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04-04-2012, 12:50 PM
#8
9/2009
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thunder04 (04-04-2012)
04-04-2012, 06:58 PM
#10
Fahrvergnügen'd
If it were me, I would get a used Jetta TDi Cup. Just a better looking car all around and possibly cheaper than a new TDI (with a better interior).
I have a 2009 Jetta Sportwagen that I really like a lot ... Except the 2.5L engine.
I would recommend it. It's a good car.
I have a 2009 Jetta Sportwagen that I really like a lot ... Except the 2.5L engine.
I would recommend it. It's a good car.
04-04-2012, 07:24 PM
#11
Banned
Compared to WHAT???
Overall cost-wise, if you take the Civic/Elantra/Corolla, they will eat that silly Jetta Tdi for breakfast.
Diesels in North American care are for gadget lovers who don't know/care how to count.
Overall cost-wise, if you take the Civic/Elantra/Corolla, they will eat that silly Jetta Tdi for breakfast.
Diesels in North American care are for gadget lovers who don't know/care how to count.
04-04-2012, 07:36 PM
#12
In the Mid-South meow
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Wow shocked Saintor had something negative to say about a non-BMW automobile.
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04-04-2012, 07:51 PM
#14
Moderator
:ibSaintorderailsanotherthreadwithpersonalvendetta s:
Last edited by ttribe; 04-04-2012 at 07:57 PM.
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Sarlacc (04-04-2012)
04-04-2012, 07:58 PM
#15
Banned
04-04-2012, 08:06 PM
#16
I buy a new car when the old car is past at least 10 years of ownership and there is an actual need for a new one. If you are really scared about gas money, but can ride out this "storm" for a bit longer, then ride it out. In a couple years, there will be more cars geared towards fuel economy and who knows, maybe the US will finally follow the EU and have more diesel offerings here.
If you're considering a new car and can justify the costs over your current car (which you have done) then it's probably time. Besides, 8 years with a car is pretty good. The TSX still has some value which can be used towards a down payment.
You don't want to wait for something drastic to go wrong to decide to get a new car and then have no value at all in the TSX.
One thing to consider with a TDI is how many highway miles you're driving on a daily basis. Highway miles are where the TDI will really show it's value. I've read that many TDIs are seeing upper 40s mpg "mixed use." If you drive mostly highway miles, that will only go up.
I have become very interested in the Golf TDI as I've recently moved and now have a commute that is 95% highway.
I currently have an '06 TSX with ~90k miles so it still has some life left (plus I'm seeing 32 mpg average) so it's hard for me to justify doing anything soon.
edit:
Like you I've calculated the fuel costs and am seeing similar numbers. Excel can be useful
You don't want to wait for something drastic to go wrong to decide to get a new car and then have no value at all in the TSX.
One thing to consider with a TDI is how many highway miles you're driving on a daily basis. Highway miles are where the TDI will really show it's value. I've read that many TDIs are seeing upper 40s mpg "mixed use." If you drive mostly highway miles, that will only go up.
I have become very interested in the Golf TDI as I've recently moved and now have a commute that is 95% highway.
I currently have an '06 TSX with ~90k miles so it still has some life left (plus I'm seeing 32 mpg average) so it's hard for me to justify doing anything soon.
edit:
Like you I've calculated the fuel costs and am seeing similar numbers. Excel can be useful
I'm waiting for the sales guy I've been e-mailing to get back to me about financing deals. I saw a bilboard for a VW dealer on my way to work that said 0% for 60 months on Jetta TDI. Although, VW's site says 0.9%...maybe I read it wrong
The responsible side of me says "keep the TSX", but the other side of me...and my wife...says "just do it"
I wonder how much I could sell my TSX for
...
04-04-2012, 08:12 PM
#18
Banned
04-05-2012, 12:57 AM
#23
I would take anything Saintor says with a grain of salt. If he said the sky was blue I'd look up to double check.
He was on my ignore list for the longest time until the ESP thread.... now he's back to his plain old ignorant self...
He was on my ignore list for the longest time until the ESP thread.... now he's back to his plain old ignorant self...
04-05-2012, 04:25 PM
#24
Banned
04-05-2012, 04:32 PM
#25
The sizzle in the Steak
Efficient.
95%
95%
04-05-2012, 04:33 PM
#26
The sizzle in the Steak
TDI is fantastic.
and
to getting a Jetta TDI Cup used if you can find one!
and
to getting a Jetta TDI Cup used if you can find one!
04-05-2012, 04:40 PM
#29
The sizzle in the Steak
04-05-2012, 04:51 PM
#30
Banned
No it is just I know what I am talking about (and not only a lemming believer as you).
A Tdi is a 2700$+tax+interest option. 3000$+
Compared to a Jetta 2.5 DSG, a Tdi DSG allows to 'save' 400$ a year (15000miles/year EPA) with an inferior engine.
Even with resale value, you won't recoup your additional money before a reasonable term. And if you keep it long term, then you have that nasty timing belt to change.
Diesels are for tractors.
A Tdi is a 2700$+tax+interest option. 3000$+
Compared to a Jetta 2.5 DSG, a Tdi DSG allows to 'save' 400$ a year (15000miles/year EPA) with an inferior engine.
Even with resale value, you won't recoup your additional money before a reasonable term. And if you keep it long term, then you have that nasty timing belt to change.
Diesels are for tractors.
04-05-2012, 04:52 PM
#31
The sizzle in the Steak
No it is just I know what I am talking about (and not only a lemming believer as you).
A Tdi is a 2700$+tax+interest option. 3000$+
Compared to a Jetta 2.5 DSG, a Tdi DSG allows to 'save' 400$ a year (15000miles/year EPA) with an inferior engine.
Even with resale value, you won't recoup your additional money for sure. And if you keep it long term, then you have that nasty timing belt to change.
Diesels are for tractors.
A Tdi is a 2700$+tax+interest option. 3000$+
Compared to a Jetta 2.5 DSG, a Tdi DSG allows to 'save' 400$ a year (15000miles/year EPA) with an inferior engine.
Even with resale value, you won't recoup your additional money for sure. And if you keep it long term, then you have that nasty timing belt to change.
Diesels are for tractors.
95%
Efficient
Diesels are for tractors
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civicdrivr (04-14-2012)
04-05-2012, 05:46 PM
#32
Team Owner
TDI 
Jetta
Jetta
04-05-2012, 06:13 PM
#33
There's reports of the fuel pump disintegrating (due to the reduced lubricity of US ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel) and taking out the engine. The new Passat TDI has a different fuel pump (by part number), but nobody knows if that's fixed the problem. Some TDI drivers add lubricity additive to every tank they fill up but I'd still be mad paranoid.
(If you drive a TDI, don't shoot me -- I don't hate you guys or your car.)
(If you drive a TDI, don't shoot me -- I don't hate you guys or your car.)
04-14-2012, 08:02 PM
#34
I'll be picking up my Candy White 2012 Jetta TDI Premium /w Nav tomorrow at 1 PM. 
I test drove one and really liked it. The dealer didn't have a TDI /w Nav, and I could've lived without it, but I wanted the push button start and keyless entry...which is part of the nav package. So they had to do a trade.
The TSX has served me well. I will miss it.
I test drove one and really liked it. The dealer didn't have a TDI /w Nav, and I could've lived without it, but I wanted the push button start and keyless entry...which is part of the nav package. So they had to do a trade.
The TSX has served me well. I will miss it.
04-14-2012, 08:07 PM
#35
Moderator
I'll be picking up my Candy White 2012 Jetta TDI Premium /w Nav tomorrow at 1 PM.
I test drove one and really liked it. The dealer didn't have a TDI /w Nav, and I could've lived without it, but I wanted the push button start and keyless entry...which is part of the nav package. So they had to do a trade.
The TSX has served me well. I will miss it.
I test drove one and really liked it. The dealer didn't have a TDI /w Nav, and I could've lived without it, but I wanted the push button start and keyless entry...which is part of the nav package. So they had to do a trade.
The TSX has served me well. I will miss it.
04-14-2012, 08:13 PM
#37
Senior Moderator
Join Date: May 2000
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TDI motor is great, but i'm not so much of a fan of the overall build quality of the current generation Jetta. They had to do something to make it a lot cheaper than the last gen, and unfortunately at the expense of cheapened quality materials inside.
New Passat on the other hand, not a bad ride. But I still shake my head every time I read a car magazine review declaring it a better ride over the competition. It's definitely a good car, but I don't think it's THAT good to be a better car than the Altima/Camry/Accord/Sonata.
[edit] Didn't see you made the purchase OP, didn't mean to rain in on your thunder, but congrats!
New Passat on the other hand, not a bad ride. But I still shake my head every time I read a car magazine review declaring it a better ride over the competition. It's definitely a good car, but I don't think it's THAT good to be a better car than the Altima/Camry/Accord/Sonata.
[edit] Didn't see you made the purchase OP, didn't mean to rain in on your thunder, but congrats!
04-14-2012, 09:21 PM
#38
^ lol, no worries. I can't miss what I haven't experienced. 
I considered a Passat, but the Jetta was more within my price range. I probably should've bought used, but eh well.
What sort of life can I expect out of the DSG clutches? I assume these are consumable just like in a true manual transmission.
I considered a Passat, but the Jetta was more within my price range. I probably should've bought used, but eh well.
What sort of life can I expect out of the DSG clutches? I assume these are consumable just like in a true manual transmission.
04-14-2012, 09:36 PM
#39
Whats up with RDX owners?
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Conrats!